Team Blitz India
NEW DELHI: The Centre has allowed export of over 99,000 metric tonnes onion to six neighbouring countries of United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.
The Government has also allowed export of 2,000 metric tonnes of white onion cultivated specially for export markets in West Asia and some European countries. White onion production is exclusively export-oriented, resulting in higher production costs than other onion varieties due to increased seed expenses, adoption of stringent Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and compliance with strict Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) requirements, it states.
In December last year, the export of onion was prohibited to ensure adequate domestic availability against the backdrop of estimated lower Kharif and Rabi crops in 2023-24 as compared to previous year. The National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), the agency for export of onion to these countries, sourced the domestic onions to be exported through e-platform at L1 prices and supplied to the agency or agencies nominated by the government of the destination country at the negotiated rate on 100% advance payment basis.
The offer rate of NCEL to the buyers takes into account the prevailing prices in the destination market and also international and domestic markets. The quota allocated for export to the six countries are being supplied as per requisition made by the destination country.
